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31 Mar, 2023 News Image Controversy. UK s new code of practice for basmati rice triggers row.
An amendment made by the UK to the code of practice (CoP) for basmati rice, which assures its quality for consumers there, has triggered a controversy. 
 
The All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) says the change could benefit India, but experts have questioned it charging the UK with diluting the area of cultivation and questioning the credibility of the Seed Act, 1966.
 
Why the CoP
The CoP was introduced in 2005 by the UK Rice Association (UKRA) along with British Rice Millers Association and British Retail Consortium to 'safeguard the reputation of basmati rice marketed in the UK'. 
 
The code was evolved as imported basmati was alleged to be 50 per cent impure several decades ago. The UKRA came up with the COP, which was followed across the European Union specifying that basmati 'could be no more than 7 per cent impure'. It also listed 15 permitted varieties — nine of them traditional and six that were modern cultivars.
 
The CoP was implemented through DNA fingerprinting developed by Bangor University, Wales. 'The system worked well until 2017, when the code was updated to add 25 new modern cultivars. This followed an explosion in new breeding in the 2000s and 2010s,' said Katherine Steele, senior lecturer in sustainable crop protection at Bangor University, in an internal newsletter.
 
Alternative DNA markers
Steele said the university had developed alternative DNA markers for fingerprinting that showed six of the new varieties — five from India and one from Pakistan — were not properly bred for fragrance. As a result, these six have now been de-notified or taken off the list of basmati varieties.
 
But experts such as S Chandrasekaran, author of 'Basmati Rice: The Natural History Geographical Indication', contend that the DNA marking is a new invention by the British and its efficiency is yet to be proved.
 
'What samples were drawn? How? What were the parameters? Who authenticated the findings?’ wondered Chandrasekaran.
 
Striking feature
A striking feature of the amended code is that the British Rice Millers Association is no more part of the code. 'The amended code says it will ‘strive to uphold the reputation’ from ‘concerned to safeguard the reputation. The change in the word from ‘concern’ to ‘strive’ indicates more action might follow,' he said. 
 
The code says the All-India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) was consulted. 'The amended code has a list of 35 varieties of basmati. The six varieties deleted are no longer being used. The new code will strengthen our hold in the basmati market. We had been taking this up with them,' said AIREA executive director Vinod Kaul.
 
Chandrasekaran said there are a few issues that pertain to India’s credibility in the new code. 'How can the UK arbitrarily delist seed varieties that figure in the Seed Act, 1966? This means the credibility of the Indian authority is being questioned,' he said. 
 
Basmati boundary
Second, the code has diluted the boundary of basmati which was referred to as Indo-Gangetic plains. 'The code issued in 2017 mentions basmati-rice growing States in the region. It has now been amended as ‘on both sides of the Indian and Pakistani borders’,' he said.
 
In particular it has dropped 'which currently includes Punjab (on both sides of the Indian and Pakistani border), Jammu, Haryana, Uttaranchal and western Uttar Pradesh in India', the expert said. 
 
Kaul said there was no change in the Indo-Gangetic plain. 'The area remains the same,' he said. 
 
Chandrasekaran said there were two other issues with the amended code. 'One, APEDA is India’s nodal agency for geographical indication (GI) tag. Why was it not consulted on this issue? 
 
Bias towards Pakistan?
'Two, the amended code is in contravention and a dilution to the notification the Agriculture Ministry issued on September 18, 2017, on basmati rice-growing areas and refers to the GI certificate issued on February 15, 2016,' he said. 
 
No comment was received from official sources who businessline approached for comment until this report was published. 
 
An analyst said the UK and European Union seem to have 'a bias in favour of Pakistan'. Pakistan has not notified any standard or anything related to basmati. 
 
'Eurofin labs is conducting tests in Pakistan on the quality of basmati in the absence of Islamabad not specifying standards for the fragrant rice. Is the amended code serving the interests of Pakistan?' the analyst, who spoke on condition of anonymity, asked.
 
Factual errors
Chandrasekaran said the new code had factual errors. While specifying the removal of five Indian varieties, mentions Punjab basmati. 'India has notified five Punjab basmati varieties and there is no ‘Punjab basmati’ notified by India. The 2017 code twice mentions Punjab basmati 2. Maybe, it is a clerical error,' he said. 
 
The analyst objected to UK Department and Environment, Food and Rural Affairs funding the research team of Bangor University along with the Rice Association as it meant 'indirect support'. 
 
On other hand, Steele said she has been arguing for allowing not more than one per cent of impurity in basmati rice, the rule that applies for many products including non-genetically modified foods.  
 
'There’s no real reason for the basmati exception, and it is also arguably easier to enforce a 1 per cent rule because of the way that DNA testing works,' she said. 

 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
31 Mar, 2023 News Image Commerce Ministry unveils Foreign Trade Policy 2023; exports grew over 70% since 2015 under current policy.
Union Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled the Foreign Trade Policy 2023-28, in New Delhi, on March 31, 2023.
 
Speaking after the unveiling of Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Mr. Goyal said 'It is said that ordinary people can manage extraordinary results. We have no dearth of skills and ability. We always had the capacity to do more, but it needed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to catalyse the performance that has led to a jump in exports. We have to meet our exports targets going forward. We will achieve $2 trillion in exports by 2030, but it shouldn’t be that merchandise exports are outperformed by services exports.'
 
Mr. Goyal said 'Goods exporters need to work a bit harder. The Commerce department is going to make a massive focused outreach to the world, either sectorally or country-wise, over the next four five months. The External Affairs Ministry and Indian missions abroad will work with us on this.'
 
The Commerce Minister said 'I have never ridden a motorcycle or scooter. But I know our youth prefer faster motorcycles likes Harley Davidsons and Norton. Earlier, from India only Bajaj scooters are exported all over the world, now each sector of ours has opportunities. If we all work together with this confidence, I believe we should together resolve that India is now ready to cross even Harley Davidson.'
 
Mr. Goyal reiterated 'This is India’s moment. let’s not lose it. It shouldn’t be that a year later we meet again and you wish you had started today and been more ahead by then.'
 
While speaking at the unveiling of the Foreign Trade Policy, Director General of Foreign Trade Santosh Kumar Sarangi said that 'India’s exports were $435 billion in 2015-16 which have grown over 70% to nearly $760 billion in 2022-23.'
 
Mr. Sarangi said 'The 2015-20 policy was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Europe last year. That policy which expires today had rationalised a lot of export promotion schemes.' He further added 'This year, exports are expected to cross $760 to $770 billion.'
 
Mr. Sarangi said 'Importer Exporter Codes, issued to individual traders, have been deduplicated after validation with other departments, bringing the total IECs in the country from 18 lakh to around 6 lakh.
 
Union Commerce, Industry and Textiles Minister Piyush Goyal unveiled the Foreign Trade Policy 2023-28, in New Delhi, on March 31, 2023.
 
Speaking after the unveiling of Foreign Trade Policy 2023, Mr. Goyal said 'It is said that ordinary people can manage extraordinary results. We have no dearth of skills and ability. We always had the capacity to do more, but it needed the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to catalyse the performance that has led to a jump in exports. We have to meet our exports targets going forward. We will achieve $2 trillion in exports by 2030, but it shouldn’t be that merchandise exports are outperformed by services exports.'
 
Union Minister Piyush Goyal during the unveiling of Foreign Trade Policy 2023. | Video Credit: ANI
Mr. Goyal said 'Goods exporters need to work a bit harder. The Commerce department is going to make a massive focused outreach to the world, either sectorally or country-wise, over the next four five months. The External Affairs Ministry and Indian missions abroad will work with us on this.'
 
The Commerce Minister said 'I have never ridden a motorcycle or scooter. But I know our youth prefer faster motorcycles likes Harley Davidsons and Norton. Earlier, from India only Bajaj scooters are exported all over the world, now each sector of ours has opportunities. If we all work together with this confidence, I believe we should together resolve that India is now ready to cross even Harley Davidson.'
 
Mr. Goyal reiterated 'This is India’s moment. let’s not lose it. It shouldn’t be that a year later we meet again and you wish you had started today and been more ahead by then.'
 
While speaking at the unveiling of the Foreign Trade Policy, Director General of Foreign Trade Santosh Kumar Sarangi said that 'India’s exports were $435 billion in 2015-16 which have grown over 70% to nearly $760 billion in 2022-23.'
 
Mr. Sarangi said 'The 2015-20 policy was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Europe last year. That policy which expires today had rationalised a lot of export promotion schemes.' He further added 'This year, exports are expected to cross $760 to $770 billion.'
 
Mr. Sarangi said 'Importer Exporter Codes, issued to individual traders, have been deduplicated after validation with other departments, bringing the total IECs in the country from 18 lakh to around 6 lakh.
 
'We have ensured there is no end-date to this policy to be able to update it as an when required. The approach of the new policy is to move from an incentive based regime to a remission of taxes regime,' he said.
 
The Director General of Foreign Trade further stated that 'We are also looking at improving the ease of doing business to reduce transaction costs for exporters and there’s a renewed thrust for new growth areas.'
 
'Some of the schemes that have been successful like advance authorisation of imports and export promotion for capital goods, with process tweaks,' he said.
 
Mr. Sarangi said 'The Application fee is being reduced for Advance Authorization and EPCG Schemes for MSMEs, which will benefit 55% to 60% of these schemes’ beneficiaries.'
 
He said 'We are putting a first time ever provision for merchanting trade in the policy, under which exporters in India can source goods from another country and send them to a third country without touching Indian shores. This will also enable exports of restricted goods.'
 
He said 'Under FTP 2023, all the PM Mitra parks will be eligible to get benefits as Common services providers. To promote green energy, we have ensured that some items are able to have reduced export obligations. A Special advance authorisation scheme is being launched for the clothing and apparel sector so that they can react to market demands and fashion trends faster.'
 
Mr. Sarangi said 'FTP benefits are being extended to e-commerce exports which are expected to grow to $200-300 billion by 2030. A policy will be formulated to set up e-commerce export hubs which will include designated zones for warehousing facilities.'
 
Mr. Sarangi said 'The District Export Promotion Councils headed by the Collector to be energised with the help of regional DGFT offices to help exporters at the district level. We are also coming up with an attractive amnesty scheme for exporters that have not been able to fulfil their obligations under the EPCG and advance authorisation scheme. This is the first amnesty scheme since 2011-12, and can help exporters close their unfulfilled obligations and raise exports going forward. We have not given an end date to this policy so as to ensure that we will keep updating it as per feedback from industry. So sectors that feel that they haven’t got anything, need not be disappointed.
 
'There is a focus on simplifying policies to facilitate export of dual use high end goods/technology such as UAV/ Drones, Cryogenic Tanks, certain chemicals, etc.,' he said.
 
He concluded by saying 'A consultative mechanism is being created to resolve issues of trade and Industry. We are working towards making Indian Rupee a global currency and allowing International Trade settlement in INR. The policy also envisages wider engagement with States and Districts to promote exports from the grassroots.'
 
Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said 'We have done away with the sunset clause for this policy and it will have no end date as it will be continuously amended. So the Sun will not set on India’s exports.
 
'We are talking of $2 trillion by 2030, if not earlier and there is a clear direction in this policy that we have to grow. our global share in merchandise exports and services exports is very low and we have to grow to 7% to 10%. Even if there are gloomy forecasts about world trade, we should not feel down. Our exports should be relying on competitiveness rather than subsidies and we are getting into that mode now,' Mr. Barthwal said.

 Source:  thehindu.com
31 Mar, 2023 News Image Agri exports. Chilli export up 25% in five years to 2021-22 FY, output 7.33% higher.
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In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, said the export of chilli from India increased from 4.43 lakh tonnes (lt) in 2017-18 to 5.57 lt in 2021-22.
 
Meanwhile, the production of red chillies in India went up by 7.33 per cent during the period between 2017-18 and 2021-22. According to data provided in the answer, India produced 17.10 lt of red chillies in 2017-18 against 18.36 lt in 2021-22.
 
The Minister said Khammam district in Telangana is one of the major producers of Teja variety of red chilli. This variety is being exported from India to destinations like Bangladesh. The major port of shipment for chilli from India is Chennai port.
 
Natural rubber production costs
To a separate query on the cost of production of natural rubber, Anupriya Patel said the cost of production of natural rubber for 2021-22 was at Rs.91.30 a kg in Karnataka. This was followed by Kerala at Rs.90.64 a kg, Tripura at Rs.70.61 a kg, and Assam at Rs.66.01 a kg.
 
The cost of production included all paid-out costs of labour and material inputs, interest on working capital and depreciation. The tapping system, followed for this calculation, was once in three days.
 
On the quantum of natural rubber imported and import duty collected, she said India imported 37,69,06,691.6 kgs with an assessable value of Rs.5,383.21 crore till March 23 of the current financial year. The import duty collected was at Rs.729.17 crore.
 
Tobacco area down
To a separate query on the area under tobacco cultivation, the Minister said the area has come down to 3.57 lakh hectares (lh) during 2020-21 from 4.04 lh in 2019-20.
 
Asked if the Government proposes to discourage tobacco farming in the country and provide alternative livelihood to tobacco farmers, she said the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has extended the crop diversification programme (CDP), an ongoing sub scheme of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY), to encourage tobacco farmers to shift to alternative crops/cropping system in tobacco growing states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal, with effect from 2015-16.
 
An amount of Rs.10 crore for CDP for replacing tobacco farming with alternate crops/cropping system has been earmarked for implementation of the programme during 2022-23.
 
Agri exports rise
Answering to another query on agri exports, Anupriya Patel said the Government has been monitoring export performance including that of agricultural and processed food products in the current financial year 2022-23 vis a vis 2021-22.
 
During the current financial year (Apr-January 2022-23), agricultural exports have amounted to $43.37 billion, registering an increase of 6.04 per cent over the exports of $40.90 billion during the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
 
She said the India’s agricultural export touched the highest ever level of $50.21 billion in 2021-22.
 
Gulfood
To a separate query on India’s participation Gulfood 2023, the Minister said the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) participated in Gulfood 2023 held from February 20-24 in Dubai, UAE.
 
Around 150 Indian exporters participated and showcased various agricultural and processed food products, including dairy, pulses and meat-based produce, with focus on millets and their value-added products.
 
An exclusive millet gallery was set up during Gulfood 2023, where participating Indian exporters exhibited their millet-based products, gaining wide publicity by showcasing their products before potential importers from all over the world, she said.
 

 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
31 Mar, 2023 News Image Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal seconds G-20 member countries in finding common solutions to address the gaps in Multilateral Trading System.
The 1st G20 Trade and Investment Working Group (TIWG) meeting concluded today in Mumbai in the presence of  Commerce and Industry Minister, Shri Piyush Goyal. During this three-day working group meeting, over 100 delegates from G20 member countries, invitee countries, regional groupings and international organizations were present in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. The deliberations specifically revolved around accelerating global trade and investment, while simultaneously progressing towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
 
The priorities related to global trade and investment, which the Indian Presidency is pursuing, were discussed on March 29th and 30th across four technical closed-door sessions. On March 29th, the deliberations focused on making trade work for growth and prosperity, and way forward for building resilient Global Value Chains (GVCs). On March 30th, the TIWG priorities on integrating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in global trade, and building efficient logistics for trade were discussed in the two working sessions. Theme-based experience zones on spices, millet, tea and coffee were set up at the venue, and an exhibition on textiles was also on display for the delegates to get a glimpse of India’s textile heritage. A cultural program was organized for the G20 delegates at Taj Palace, also the venue for Gala dinner hosted by India. 
 
In his press interaction Shri Goyal highlighted  the theme of India's G20 Presidency that aims to promote universal values and adoption of human-centric approach. While reminiscing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for India’s G20 agenda of inclusive, ambitious, decisive and action-oriented economic growth, he further stated that India chose to take up G20 Presidency during a tough geopolitical and globally critical economic environment ,since 2023 marks the 75th year of India’s independence, this is an opportune time for the country to share its ancient wisdom with the world to find a middle path. This ancient wisdom can be integrated with advanced technology for building 'One Earth, One Family and One Future'. Shri Goyal added that throughout India’s illustrious past, the country has been the torchbearer of democracy, diversity and inclusion.
 
The Union  Minister restated that TIWG has an important role in formulating concrete outcomes for inclusive growth that drive trade and investment across Global South, and not among G20 member countries only. He strongly advocated for equitable distribution of the benefits of global trade by and among all countries, including developing and least developed countries (LDCs) in order to progress towards a new world that is driven by collaboration, sustainable growth and solutions-oriented mindset. 
 
Shri Goyal urged TIWG delegates to take inspiration from lotus, this year’s G20 symbol and  said that lotus is revered world over for its ability to bloom unblemished in the murkiest of waters, and together we can find solutions for inclusive economic growth during these volatile economic times.  
 
On the second and third day of the TIWG meeting, while discussing priority issues, G20 member countries realized the need for collective action to integrate transparency in the administration of non-tariff measures, and cooperation among standardization bodies world over. The G20 member countries also noted that there is a need for mapping GVCs for building predictability and for enhancing their resilience. 
 
In the sessions, several member countries affirmed the need for diversification of existing value chains and accelerating the participation of firms from developing countries and LDCs for a holistic economic growth. The need for making information and finances easily accessible for MSMEs was discussed in detail during the working sessions. In addition, several countries expressed that the digital entry barriers for MSMEs should be seriously reviewed for their efficient integration with the digital trade platforms.
 
The Secretary, Department of Commerce, Shri Sunil Barthwal remarked that the discussions in all the four sessions were enriching, and were mostly directed towards action and outcomes. Trade and investment being vital tools for enhancing local supply of goods and services, Shri Barthwal added that the aim under India’s G20 Presidency is to strengthen the shared understanding of challenges that are hindering the acceleration of global trade and investment, and collectively explore existing opportunities that can be harnessed to find common solutions — guided by this year’s motto — Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
31 Mar, 2023 News Image Centre steps up its efforts to monitor stock disclosures of pulses.
Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Shri Rohit Kumar Singh directed major pulses importers to ensure that all stocks available with them are declared in a transparent manner regularly.  They were advised not to hold back any stock which may disrupt availability of pulses in the domestic market.
 
Meanwhile, the Committee under the Chairmanship of Additional Secretary Smt. Nidhi Khare took a meeting with all the States/UTs today wherein they were requested to explore all the sources to increase the number of registered entities in Stock Declaration Portal including FSSAI licensees, APMC registered traders, GST Registered traders of pulses etc.  To cross validate the stocks declared, States were also requested to get information from warehouse service providers, both public and private.  The need to monitor stocks of imported pulses at custom bonded warehouses was also emphasized, to ensure their timely release from Ports. 
 
The Government has stepped up its efforts to monitor stock disclosures of pulses by millers, stockists, traders, importers, etc. to ensure that prices of Tur are normalised and the availability and affordability of Tur is ensured in the domestic market.
 
The Department is also planning to hold interaction with all stakeholders across value chain to ensure availability and affordability of pulses for consumers. 
 
The Pulses Associations and Importers have assured wholehearted cooperation in disclosing the stocks in a transparent manner. 
 

 Source:  pib.gov.in
29 Mar, 2023 News Image National Mission on Natural Farming.
To motivate farmers to adopt chemical free farming and enhance the reach of natural farming, the Government has formulated National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a separate and independent scheme from 2023-24 by up scaling the Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddati (BPKP). The success of NMNF will require behavioral change in farmers to shift from chemical based inputs to cow based locally produced inputs and thus requires continuous creation of awareness, training, handholding and capacity building of farmers in the initial years. The provision of Rs 459.00 crores for 2023-24 has been proposed after careful consideration and the requirement of increase of budget is not anticipated at this stage.  
 
The budget for fertilizer subsidy for 2023-24 has been kept at Rs 1,75,099 crore.
 
Natural Farming is a way of chemical free farming based on desi cow and locally available resources, with no chemical fertilizers and pesticides and promotes traditional indigenous practices which give freedom to farmers from externally purchased inputs and is largely based on on-farm biomass recycling with major stress on biomass mulching, use of on-farm desi cow dung-urine formulation; managing pests through diversity, on-farm botanical concoctions and exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs directly or indirectly and emphasis is given on improving natural nutrient cycling and increase in organic matter in the soil, which can help with climate change resilience and carbon sequestration in soils.
 
'National Standard of Organic Production (NSOP) has defined organic agriculture as 'a system of farm design and management to create an ecosystem which can achieve sustainable productivity without use of artificial off farm input such as chemical fertilizer and pesticides. Organic farming is considered to be climate friendly farming practices promoting low external input usage, recycling, reuse and reduced use of synthetics in farming. Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) under its All India Network Programme on Organic Farming has developed package of practices for organic production in cropping and farming systems mode.
 
Climate smart agriculture is a broader concept which includes all environments friendly agricultural approaches like integrated farming systems, conservation agriculture, natural farming, organic farming, precision agriculture, regenerative agriculture, reclamation of degraded soils and reduced food loss and waste to achieve sustainable agriculture. Climate smart agriculture is an integrated approach to managing landscapes-cropland, livestock, forests and fisheries-that address the interlinked challenges of food security and climate change. It aims to tackle three main objectives: sustainably increasing agricultural productivity and incomes, adapting and building resilience to climate change and reducing greenhouses gas emissions wherever possible and supports FAO strategic framework 2022-2031.
 
To make global consensus on a broader concept, Government has opted climate smart agriculture rather than natural and organic farming in its priorities for G20 agriculture working group.
 
This information was given by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
29 Mar, 2023 News Image Vocal for local in Food processing Sector.
As part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan - Vocal for Local Initiative in food processing sector, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is implementing a centrally sponsored 'PM Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme' for providing financial, technical and business support for setting up / upgradation of micro food processing enterprises in the country. The scheme is operational for a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25 with an outlay of Rs. 10,000 Crore. Till date, 27,003 Loans have been sanctioned in the country under credit linked subsidy component of PMFME Scheme, out of which 5864 loans sanctioned in the State of Maharashtra. The State-wise details are at Annexure.
 
The PMFME scheme is designed to address the challenges faced by the micro enterprises. The scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of new and existing individual micro-enterprises in the unorganized segment of the food processing industry and promote formalization of the sector. The details of assistance available to Micro Food Processing Enterprises under PMFME Scheme:
 
(i). Support to Individual / Group Category Micro Enterprises: Credit-linked capital subsidy @35% of the eligible project cost, maximum ceiling Rs.10 lakh per unit;
 
(ii). Support to SHGs for seed capital: Seed capital upto Rs. 40,000/- per member of SHG engaged in food processing for working capital and purchase of small tools subject to maximum of Rs. 4 lakh per SHG.
 
(iii). Support for Common Infrastructure: Credit linked capital subsidy
 
@35% subject to maximum of Rs. 3 crore to support FPOs, SHGs, Cooperatives and any Government agency for setting up of common infrastructure. The common infrastructure will also be available for other units and public to utilize on hiring basis for substantial part of the capacity.
 
(iv). Branding and Marketing Support: Grant upto 50% for Branding and Marketing to groups of FPOs/ SHGs/ Cooperatives or an SPV of micro food processing enterprises.
 
(v). Capacity Building: The scheme envisages training for Entrepreneurship Development Skilling (EDP+): program modified to meet the requirement of food processing industry and product specific skilling.
 
 
 
Capacity building and training is a critical component of the scheme in technical upgradation and formalization of micro food processing enterprises. The focus areas for capacity building are entrepreneurship development, compliance of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) standards and general hygiene and other statutory compliances. District Resource Persons (DRPs) have been appointed to provide handholding support to micro food processing enterprises for the compliance of FSSAI and other statutory requirements.
 
Annexure
 
ANNEXURE REGARDING 'VOCAL FOR LOCAL IN FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR'
 

State-wise number of loans sanctioned under credit linked subsidy

component of PMFME Scheme

Sl. No.

State/UT

No. of Loans

Sanctioned

1

Andaman And Nicobar Islands

11

2

Andhra Pradesh

1937

3

Arunachal Pradesh

22

4

Assam

583

5

Bihar

2345

6

Chandigarh

5

7

Chhattisgarh

210

8

Dadra And Nagar Haveli And Daman And Diu

2

9

Delhi

94

10

Goa

41

11

Gujarat

100

12

Haryana

384

13

Himachal Pradesh

753

14

Jammu And Kashmir

212

15

Jharkhand

146

16

Karnataka

1922

17

Kerala

611

18

Ladakh

22

19

Madhya Pradesh

1468

20

Maharashtra

5864

21

Manipur

245

22

Meghalaya

30

23

Mizoram

5

24

Nagaland

24

25

Odisha

733

26

Puducherry

47

27

Punjab

935

28

Rajasthan

273

29

Sikkim

31

30

Tamil Nadu

3552

31

Telangana

1956

32

Tripura

46

33

Uttar Pradesh

2182

34

Uttarakhand

212

Total

27003

 

This information was given by Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Shri Prahlad Singh Patel in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

 


 Source:  pib.gov.in
29 Mar, 2023 News Image Delegates from 19 member countries and 10 international organizations to discuss sustainable agriculture and food security.
The second Agricultural Deputies Meeting of the Agricultural Working Group (AWG) is all set to take place from 29th to 31st March 2023 at Chandigarh. The event will see the participation of delegates from 19 member countries, 10 invited countries and 10 international organizations.
 
Speaking about the upcoming event, Ritesh, Joint Secretary (IC), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare said, 'The second Agricultural Deputies Meeting of AWG is an important platform for countries to come together and discuss ways to ensure sustainable agriculture, food security and nutrition. We are honored to host the event in Chandigarh and look forward to fruitful discussions.'
 
Rajinder Chaudhry, Additional Director General of PIB Chandigarh, added, 'The AMIS Rapid Response Forum, which will be held on the first day of the meeting, is an important initiative to address the food market situation and identify capacity building needs. We hope that this forum will provide a vision for the future progress of the initiative.'
 
During the second and third day of the meeting, member countries will focus on drafting the Communiqué which will address four thematic areas, namely food security and nutrition, sustainable agriculture with a climate smart approach, inclusive agricultural value chains and food systems, and digitalization for agricultural transformation.
 
Apart from the discussions, delegates will also get to experience the rich cultural heritage of Chandigarh through a visit to the food festival at Rock Garden, excursion to Sukhna lake, followed by a gala dinner and a visit to Yadavindra Gardens at Pinjore.
 
The event promises to be a platform for countries to come together and work towards a sustainable future for agriculture and food security.

 Source:  pib.gov.in
29 Mar, 2023 News Image Exercise caution . Govt confident of achieving 34.15 mt wheat procurement target.
Food Corporation of India (FCI) on Tuesday announced that wheat procurement has commenced in all the States and it is confident of procuring 34.15 million tonnes (mt) as estimated for the 2023-24 season (April-March).
 
Experts suggested that the government should exercise caution in its procurement strategies, considering that only 10,727 tonnes were procured on the first day out of the reported arrival of 0.56 million tonnes in Madhya Pradesh.
 
Briefing media, FCI’s Chairman and Managing Director Ashok K Meena said the export ban on wheat would not be lifted as long as the government does not feel comfortable in domestic supplies. He also said that wheat production would not be affected due to recent rains and the country could see a record output of 1121.8 lt as estimated by the Agriculture Ministry.
 
Wheat procurement is crucial for the government as due to a drop in production last year, the procurement hit a 15-year low of 18.79 mt in 2022-23. This resulted in an indefinite ban on export and prices of the cereal reaching an all-time high of Rs.32/kg.
 
Meena said due to the government’s intervention in offering 5 mt under open market sale scheme (OMSS), wheat prices in mandis have declined to Rs.22-23/kg now from Rs.30 in last week of January. Of the 3.38 mt sold in open market through auction, as much as 3.21 mt have already been lifted, he said.
 
Procurement target
The government has set a target to purchase 13.2 mt in Punjab, 8 mt in Madhya Pradesh, 7.5 mt in Haryana, 3.5 mt in Uttar Pradesh and 1 mt in Bihar.
 
When asked about the reason for the lower procurement estimate in Madhya Pradesh, which was the top contributor (12.94 mt) to the central pool stock in 2020-21, he stated that there was no drop in production and the estimate was reached after consultation with the State government.
 
'The situation is not the same as last year since there is no possibility of opening the export. Even after this, the private sector buys above the minimum support price (MSP), the government will find difficulties in achieving procurement target. But, even if it is able to buy 17 mt that will be enough to meet buffer and PDS requirement of 25.5 mt as already the stocks are 1 mt above buffer norms,' said a former executive director of FCI.
 
If the government is to consider relaunching PMGKAY and also to keep stock for OMSS, additional wheat will be needed, he said adding some prudent policy would help achieve the targeted procurement.
 
Meena said the opening stock of wheat as on April 1 is likely to be 8.4 mt (excluding current procurement that started earlier than normal April 1), against buffer norm of 7.5 mt. He also said the Centre will send team as and when required if demand for quality relaxation comes from States.

 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com
29 Mar, 2023 News Image Slack domestic demand. Export demand holds turmeric prices from plunging.
Turmeric prices are ruling lower by over Rs.1,000 a quintal compared with last year on slack domestic offtake but export demand is preventing further fall in the rates.
 
Currently, the modal price (rates at which most trades take place) for the finger variety turmeric at Erode in Tamil Nadu is ruling at Rs.6,183 a quintal against Rs.7,790 in the year-ago period. In the case of the bulb variety, the modal price is 5,413 against Rs.6,594 a year ago. 
 
At the Nanded agricultural produce marketing committee (APMC) yard in Maharashtra, the modal price is Rs.6,000 compared with Rs.7,200 a year ago. On NCDEX, spot prices for unpolished turmeric were quoted at Rs.6,452.35 a quintal. In Nizamabad APMC yard, the modal rate is Rs.5,751 against Rs.6,520.
 
Shipments up 10%
'Demand in the domestic market is slack, resulting in prices trading in a Rs.100-200 range either way. But demand for export is good and it has actually prevented the spice’s price from dipping further,' said Poonam Chand Gupta, a trader from Nizamabad, Telangana.
 
'Export demand is good amidst lukewarm domestic demand. You can say prices are at the bottom now. Export demand has ensured prices don’t decline further,' said Amrutlal Kataria, another trader from Nizamabad. 
 
According to Spices Board India data, turmeric exports were up 10 per cent during April-November period of the current fiscal at 1.12 lakh tonnes valued at $140.94 million. During the same period last fiscal, shipments were nearly one lakh tonnes valued at $134.81 million. 
 
'Turmeric exports are subdued a bit due to the recent rains in parts of Maharashtra. But they have been steady this fiscal,' said Sunil Patil, Proprietor, Varadlaxmi Trading Company in Sangli, Maharashtra. 
 
Lower output seen
One of the reasons for turmeric to rule low this year is a huge ending stock from last year. In addition, this year’s production is unclear with the market still assessing damages due to rains. 
 
Turmeric production in the 2021-22 crop year (June to July) was estimated at 13.30 lakh tonnes (lt) compared with 11.23 lt in 2020-21. A study made by Olam Spices and presented at the International Spices ConLgress in January projected turmeric output this year at 13.14 lt. 
 
Though the production has been estimated lower, the ending stock of 1.7 lt could be a dampener. 'We are waiting for arrivals to pick up, especially from Nanded and Vidarbha regions,' Patil said.
 
While the crop in Maharashtra is reported to have been affected by water-logging, production in Tamil Nadu and diversion of 5 lakh bags  (50 kg each) of turmeric in Karnataka from extraction units could make up the shortage, he said.
 
Short-term pressure likely
'We expect turmeric production to be at least 90 per cent of last year’s output,' said Kataria. 
 
'Production could be 20 per cent lower than last year. But we will get a clear picture over the next few weeks,' said Gupta.
 
In the short-term, turmeric prices could come under pressure from arrivals in Maharashtra, Patil said, adding that he would not be surprised if prices drop to levels of Rs.5,500 since supplies are expected to continue till June. 
 
Kataria said exports could swing prices either way depending on the demand emerging around April. Gupta said the market could be stable as there is nothing special for it to react.
 
However, if the El Nino, a weather phenomenon that has an impact on the Indian monsoon, emerges then turmeric prices could tend to move northward, said Patil.
 
'The quality of carryover stocks is not up to mark. Therefore, the market will tend to rise in case of the El Nino emerging,' he said, adding that prices would tend to rise after July. 

 Source:  thehindubusinessline.com